THE POWER TO WIN: HINKLEY VOTED COACH OF THE YEAR

By Staff writer, Tuesday, Oct 20, 2020

THE POWER TO WIN: HINKLEY VOTED COACH OF THE YEAR

In the club’s 150th year, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has been unveiled as the Monjon Allan Jeans Senior Coach of the Year for the second time at the 2020 Shadforth Financial Group AFL Coaches Association Awards held online on Tuesday night.

Hinkley powered to the top ahead of 2019 Monjon Allan Jeans Senior Coach of the Year, Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan and Geelong’s Chris Scott, after a season which saw Hinkley’s Power become just the third side in the AFL era to top the table through an entire season. 

Prior to the start of the season, there was some external speculation about Hinkley’s tenure at the Power with the club failing to make the finals in the past two seasons. However, Hinkley’s connection with his players remained strong and the club’s list management team put some impressive pieces around him and Port Adelaide flourished as a result.

In 2020 style, Hinkley accepted the award, which was voted on by more than 150 of his peers and named in honour of coaching legend Allan Jeans, via zoom in front of 100 guests.

Hinkley was deemed to be the best performed senior coach throughout the 2020 season, up to and including the preliminary finals, and having regard for current season's performance, available resources, player talent and team management.

Hinkley was honoured to be recognised by the coaches as the 2020 Monjon Allan Jeans Senior Coach of the Year, acknowledging the support of his family and those around him at Port Adelaide.

“I’m very humbled to be voted the AFL Coaches Association coach of the year,” Hinkley said.

“There were any number of coaches who could have justifiably been awarded this honour for 2020.

“I am very grateful especially when you look at all the great coaches who have received this award in years’ gone by.

“Ultimately though this award is a team effort and a reflection upon an entire group at Port Adelaide.

 “This wouldn’t be possible without an outstanding playing group led by Tom Jonas and the countless hours of support from my assistant coaches, list management team and GM – Football Chris Davies.

“And a massive thank you to all our members who have stood by the club and supported us through so much adversity in 2020. Your support of me, the playing group and the entire club has been amazing.

“And of course without the incredible support of my family I wouldn’t be in the position to pursue my passion for coaching.

“I’m just very fortunate that I have so many great people around me.”

AFL Coaches Association CEO, Mark Brayshaw acknowledged the challenges of the 2020 season and huge role all coaches played, whilst lauding Hinkley for his remarkable season.

“I am lost in admiration for all the coaches – and their families - in 2020 especially the way they navigated their way through unprecedented times. For Ken, this is just a fantastic result. He’s had a great season, keeping Port Adelaide top of the ladder in their 150th season. Many questions were asked about Ken over summer. The Port supporters take their football very seriously, so the pressure was on. In true style he stood tall, with strong connection and care for his players, Ken put it on the line at the start of the season and narrowly missed a Grand Final appearance,” Brayshaw said.

“We know this award is held in high esteem, because it has been determined by more than 150 AFL coaches this year. We congratulate Ken, for winning this Award for the 2nd time, his assistant and development coaches and also those around and above him at Port Adelaide.” Brayshaw said.


2020 MONJON ALLAN JEANS SENIOR COACH OF THE YEAR

1. KEN HINKLEY – PORT ADELAIDE POWER – 236 Votes

2. CHRIS FAGAN – BRISBANE LIONS – 191 Votes 

3. CHRIS SCOTT – GEELONG CATS – 154 Votes